Philosopher Profiles
Thomas Nagel
(July 4, 1936 — Current)
Thomas Nagel is the only person in the world who doesn't know what it's like to be a bat: no one else has had the guts to tell him that everyone else knows perfectly well what it's like to be a bat. And an otter. The real mystery is, of course, what it's like to be an objective self.
In later life Nagel's theory of the objective shelf did not set the world of carpentry on fire (much to Heraclitus' disappointment).
Written By: Mark Wales
Created: 29th January, 2008 | Last Updated: 2nd February, 2008
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(Image of Thomas Nagel is copyright of the original owner. Used under Fair Use laws.)
Photograph
The objective Nagel.
Stats
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Main Contributions:
The Objective Self and the Subjective Rock -
Quotation:
“There is a tendency to seek an objective account of everything before admitting its reality. ” -
Key Areas:
Philosophy of Mind -
Annoying Habits:
Doesn't know what it's like to be a philosophy student. -
Nicknames:
Batman
Top Trumps
- Beard: 0
- Fame: 2
- Logic: 2
- Readability: 3
- Contribution: 3
